A suicide car bomb detonated alongside buses carrying Turkish soldiers in Ankara yesterday, killing at least 28 people. The Turkish government accused Kurdish groups of orchestrating the bombing and has responded with military force. Within hours of the attack, Turkish warplanes carried out airstrikes against Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) bases in northern Iraq. "Yesterday's attack was directly targeting Turkey and the perpetrator is the YPG and the divisive terrorist organization PKK. All necessary measures will be taken against them," Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said today in a speech. The government has reported that 12 people have been arrested in connection to the bombing and identified the bomber as Salih Necar, a Syrian refugee.
European leaders will meet in Brussels tonight to discuss the European Union's policy on the continent's crisis of refugees flooding the continent from Syria and other unstable nations. German Chancellor Angela Merkel was scheduled to hold a meeting to discuss ways to reinvigorate an agreement to provide aid to Turkey in exchange for the Turkish government stemming the flow of refugees, but that meeting was cancelled after the bombing in Ankara yesterday. Some Eastern European states are pushing for a "Plan B," discussed earlier this week, that would effectively seal Greece's European borders.
The Turkish government is facilitating the transit of approximately 2,000 Syrian rebel forces across the Turkey-Syrian border to provide reinforcements to Syrian Arab rebels resisting the expansion of Syrian Kurdish militias near Azaz, rebel sources told Reuters.
The Islamic State's Yemeni affiliate has claimed responsibility for a bombing that targeted a military facility near Aden, Yemen, killing 13 people.
A U.S. court has ruled that the U.S. State Department illegally revoked a Yemeni-American man's passport and made him sign a false confession for immigration fraud in 2013.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the idea of a phased international peace conference proposed by France, noting that the promise of recognition if talks fail provides no incentive for the Palestinians to compromise.


text:
Q: How to use a 64bit call gate In intel software developer maunal, the call instruction support:
call r/m64
call m16:32
call m16:64

In the user code, if I want to transfer to ring 0 via a 64-bit call-gate with selector 47.
How to write the instruction in assembly using intel syntax?
Tested:
call far [mem]; wrong
call qword ptr [mem]; wrong

memory content:
[mem + 0]: qword 0x00
[mem + 8]: word 47

A: The correct keyword to use is fword ptr. This will generate the m16:32 variant, but since for call gates the offset is ignored and the full 64 bits of RIP will be loaded from the gate, this will be fine. However if you want to keep the m16:64 pointer, then you will have to manually include a REX prefix, like rex64 call fword ptr [mem] or rex.w call fword ptr [mem].

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Jerusalem Court Extends Remand of Leader of anti-Arab Group Lehava
Benzi Gopstein, head of group accused of arson at Jewish-Arab school, suspected of incitement.
Chaim Levinson
Get email notification for articles from Chaim Levinson Follow
Bentzi Gopstein, head of the anti-gentile group Lehava, in court, December 16, 2014.Credit: Emil Salman
The Jerusalem Magistrate's Court on Tuesday remanded for three days Benzi Gopstein, chairman of the right-wing, anti-Arab group Lehava, after he was arrested earlier in the day on suspicion of incitement to racism.
Jerusalem court indicts 3 for arson at Jewish-Arab school
Police raid homes of anti-Arab activists, 10 arrested
Outlawing racism won't erase it
Israel Police arrests four more anti-Arab activists from rightist group Lehava
Israel must ban racist group Lehava
During the remand hearing, Gopstein's attorney, prominent Kahanist Itamar Ben-Gvir, told the court that the alleged offenses were out of date if they had taken place at all, and they were no reason to remand his client.
A worker cleans up in a torched classroom in an Arab-Jewish school in Jerusalem November 30, 2014.Credit: Reuters
He gave as an example the fact that Gopstein had been questioned about a letter he sent to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after he became aware that the latter's son was dating a non-Jewish woman (from Norway), and was also questioned about an interview he gave in 2011. Judge Eitan Kornhawser stated, "An examination of the extensive material before me suggests that there is a reasonable foundation to the suspicion attributed [to Gopstein]." However, the judge also noted that a reading of the investigation in detail "suggests that the court must oversee the investigation and its findings."
The case of nine other individuals suspected of activities in Lehava, which is being heard separately from Gopstein's, also came before the court on Tuesday.
Police raided the residences of several members of Lehava, a right-wing, anti-Arab organization, early in the day. In total, 10 members were arrested on suspicion of incitement and calling for violent crime. The police are expected to ask the court to extend their remand.
According to Ben-Gvir, one of the three Lehava members charged on Monday with torching the Jewish-Arab school in Jerusalem had offered to give police incriminating information on Gopstein, in return for a lighter sentence.
Ben-Gvir blamed the arrest on "pressure from leftist politicians."
"Police are taking action against Lehava even though it is clear to them it's a legal organization that overtly works against assimilation," he said. "It's an embarrassment."
Meretz party leader Zahava Gal-On said Tuesday that Lehava should be recognized as a terror group.
"Announcements and publicized arrests aren't enough," she said in a statement. "We must put an end to the feeble response to an organization that uses terrorism and violence against those who work toward coexistence."
Last August, activists from the extremist anti-miscegenation group worked to disrupt the wedding celebration of a Jewish woman and a Muslim man from Jaffa. The organization held a protest, and the couple asked for supporters to come out and demonstrate against the Lehava protest, which was attended by roughly 200 activists.
Later, Lehava's Facebook page was closed after many complaints were filed against its many inciteful remarks. The page, created in November 2013, had over 35,000 followers when it was closed. At first, it was used to identify mixed Jewish-Arab couples, and it quickly became a platform for anti-Arab remarks.
The association that runs the Max Rayne Hand in Hand Bilingual School in Jerusalem, which was attacked by arsonists – said by the Shin Bet security service to be members of Lehava – expressed anger Tuesday at the way the indictment against the three suspects in the attack was worded. The indictment stated that the three, Yitzhak Gabbai and brothers Nahman and Shlomo Twito, decided to set fire to the school and spray racist graffiti on its walls "after they were made aware that the school had held a ceremony in memory of [Palestinian Authority President] Yasser Arafat a few weeks earlier." The claim regarding the ceremony was broadcast on Channel 1; the school said no such ceremony had taken place.
"No one was 'made aware' of the ceremony, because neither in the school nor in the Hand in Hand community did such a ceremony take place," the association said Tuesday. It suggested that such a claim "may have been made during the investigation, and may have found its way into the indictment, but there is no truth to it."
"The mark of the arsonists, who dirtied the walls of the school with hateful racist slogans, left no doubt as to their motive for the attack. We expect this mistake in wording, which could serve as a pretext for the next hateful attacker, to be immediately corrected," the association said.
The Justice Ministry Tuesday conceded that the wording of the indictment was mistaken. "The mention of a ceremony was intended as a description of the mood of the suspects who believed that such a ceremony had taken place. If it was understood differently from the indictment, we regret it."
The Justice Ministry also said the attorney general is to decide soon whether to add incitement to the indictment.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Local fire captain had church friend burn car to get out of living at parents' house, warrant says
Michael Anthony Salinas, 34, facing arson, retaliation charges
By Mariah Medina - Digital Journalist
Posted: 5:16 PM, March 09, 2019 Updated: 6:50 PM, March 09, 2019
BEXAR COUNTY, Texas - A local fire captain is charged with arson and retaliation after he had a church friend burn his car, then threatened someone to whom he had confessed to stop them from telling others, a warrant states.
Michael Anthony Salinas, 34, a captain with the Emergency Services District 5 Fire and Rescue Fire Department, confessed to a confidential law enforcement source that he had a friend from church burn his 2017 Ford Focus because the $400 to $500 monthly payments were too high and he wanted to move out of his parents' home, court documents state.
More News Headlines
Motorcyclist killed after losing control of motorcycle, police say
Murals taking over SA
Groups against state Senate bill designed to limit local government…
Salinas told the confidential source that he had a friend take his car in the middle of the night on June 3, 2018, and burn it, according to a warrant. Authorities with the Bexar County Sheriff's Office found the burning vehicle in the 4200 block of Noyes Road around 4:30 a.m. and reported it to the Bexar County Fire Marshal's Office, court documents explained.
An arson investigator assigned to the case noted in court documents that the scene smelled of gasoline and that there were trails of an ignitable liquid leading to and from the charred vehicle.
Investigators said the confidential source contacted law enforcement in September and told authorities that Salinas confessed to having the car burned by his friend and that his friend had burned cars before and had never gotten in trouble, the warrant states.
According to court documents, Salinas' parents had suspicions about what happened to the car because he had taken personal belongings out of the car, including his daughter's car seat, before the car was found burned.
In December 2018, authorities obtained an audio recording of Salinas telling the confidential source to not say anything about his role in the car fire and to stall investigators long enough so that he would be able to spend the holidays with his daugher, the warrant states. According to court documents, the audio recording also included Salinas telling the confidential source he wished he would've never told them about the car burning and that he thought they were friends.
On March 1, the confidential source alerted authorities that Salinas had threatened them, according to the warrant. Salinas told the confidential source that if they told anyone he had his vehicle burned, the church friend who burned the car would come after the source and the source's family, the warrant states.
The confidential source also told law enforcement that Salinas was always apprehensive to name the church friend who had burned his car because the person would come after Salinas, according to court records.
Salinas was arrested late Friday on two felony charges of retaliation and arson.
3 reasons to fear America's $70 trillion debt pile
Bank of America rakes in record profit
United buying used planes as 737 Max remains grounded
World's weirdest ice cream flavors
Hottest rock stars of all time


The modern Angle Upon Website Campaign Just Unveiled. Make A Website.
To make an instant rapport with all the visitors it is essential for the internet site to have individual functionality and fast nav. Writing via the internet about yourself, your site or writing about items you need to promote is an effective totally free means to get your URL facing visitors. Your website should have a great packing speed in addition to the overall design ought to be user friendly. Before you feel into enrolling, creating and promoting your web sites, it's best to get a schedule in place to your website. You may strategically plan your site and design it for different kinds of visitors really are predicted to have on your webpage .
People see your site and you are able to supercharge traffic. The web page must have each one of the essential info an online consumer looks for. This website also has a major role in digital advertising campaigns of the group. Anyone with a busy website will quickly realize dedicated hosting is the important alternative. Therefore , it's for sure that a mistakenly designed site can be harming to your on the internet company, and you should work for improving upon it, or perhaps whether you can expect to launch a new site, you have to offer exceptional services online design.
Building a site can be overwhelming because of the quantity of code and markup in an fun site. An internet site is similar to a certain amount of real estate in the web that you ought to be in a position to make worth through an appealing, appealing and distinctive web development. A sophisticated website aids in boosting the standing of the company on the market ensuring being presentable for all its guests who want to read more about the small business. If you can't build enough sites, you won't own enough digital space to create enough profits to deal with on the Web Design.
< h2> So How Regarding Website Promo? Design Your Own Website.
You web design company will be a specialist in applying the visual hierarchy perfectly, additionally, it's very good to evaluate for you to keep in mind why your online designer is usually laying your website out in a unique way. Additional the authority web design company displays your business services and products relating to your company by world level. Making the site according to requirement When you are searching for a professional web coming up with company, you are going to expect your site in order to become more desirable for your viewers. The guru web designing company can provide top notch internet site to meet your enterprise objectives and goals .
Promotion in web directories is one other way to target users. Business small company promotion is definitely entirely not the same as several other promotions. Consequently your online promotion causes improved revenue rate all around the world and hence large number of client visit your web designed for the intention of knowing your company goods and services. Focusing on hardly any totally free promoting tools may set a site's promo on autopilot. The most essential a part of your site advertising strategy is getting other people to link to your web blog. The significance of any site is immense nowadays for any firm as it has come to be one of many utmost powerful procedures in promoting their goods and services. Before you could implement any other site promo ideas, you need to come up with valuable content.
Site designs are among the best strategies because the picturesque medium is an effective way to connect with clients and physicians. As a matter of the simple reality, a terrible internet site design as well adversely affects the SEO of your internet site. A decent reactive web design will likewise have added characteristics that may boost it is utility for your company or brand.
The Start of Site Promotion. Setting Up A Website?
A web site is the face of an business and it does subject most, once the business generates online reputation. Just beginning a site couldn't be acceptable. Even a quantity of the best websites are useless if nobody can search these people on the internet. So as to attain wide variety of targeted prospects for boosting your company product sales, you will need to have got user-friendly, simple to navigate and attractive site.
Your site need to be SEO enhanced. So , your site is probably gonna draw in even more viewers whenever the info is definitely short and precise. It is vital to know the site and the SEO. An increasing number of individuals are beginning to set up classified advertising and marketing sites Free Website.
To help make the internet page successful one needs to recognize the right competencies to design a web page. Also, it is essential for determining that every Site is formatted correctly. Everyone want to realize their website launching faster. The internet site is the preliminary thing that asks client from a company proprietor. An automobile hire site has to be designed and offered in the the best option manner to fulfill the prospects of consumers. Besides that many of name also on which you can set data, post, photo, website link of your site. It's always safe to have direct exposure to the site marketer than simply a remote one.


James R. Grigsby, 89, died Feb. 22, 2014 in Springfield. He was born in Blandinsville to Rodmon and Florence Hodges Grigsby and married Alberta Dumbris in June 1984. There is one daughter, Linda (Chris) Eversole of Gainesville, FLa., and one son, James A. (Alicia) Grigsby of Springfield; three stepsons: Alan (Linda) Dumbris of Berea, Ky., Don (Jennifer) Dumbris of Golconda, Ill., and Charles (Rose) Dumbris of Springfield; and five grandchildren.
This family could be related to the Grigisky and (John Joseph) Straukas families of Riverton.


text:
Hand Picked Hotels Selects HotelREZ
Hand Picked Hotels, the collection of exclusive country house hotels, has signed with HotelREZ, the new hotel representation company offering outreach sales, marketing and connectivity solutions.HotelREZ is providing a full service of marketing, consultancy and world-wide representation for the 14 Hand Picked Hotels across the UK and in Jersey.
Gregor Ritchie, operations director of Hand Picked Hotels, said: "HotelREZ is providing us with a customer-focused service, with a real understanding of our markets. So far, the relationship has been extremely positive and we are delighted with everything that HotelREZ has done so far."
HotelREZ is able to offer hotels the opportunity to reduce distribution costs while increasing revenue through sustained promotions and contact with key feeder markets. HotelREZ is active across the international hotel representation sector and has already signed more than 60 independent and group hotel signings across Europe.
Mark Lewis, managing director, HotelREZ, said: "We are delighted to be working with Hand Picked Hotels. Our breadth of experience in the travel market has ensured that we are able to offer our clients in-depth assistance on increasing market demand without the need for increased revenue expenditure. We are thrilled with the response from the management and staff and the close working relationship we've developed."
Hand Picked Hotels, created in 2001 by former City lawyer Julia Hands, recently was awarded the AA Hotel Group of the Year.
In addition to outreach sales, marketing and connectivity solutions, the HotelREZ proposition includes a host of additional services covering marketing, consultancy, connectivity, financial commission reconciliation services, training and development, centralised procurement, web design/optimisation and IT infrastructure solutions.
HotelREZ was created by Mark Lewis, its managing director, whose background includes Utell, MyTravel Group and Thomas Cook. Brenda Collin, executive director, formerly of Hilton and Utell, Fulvia Gaiazzi formerly of SRS and Utell. ÊWayne O'Dell, formerly of Utell and American Express has joined the company as operations director and company secretary.
Counterpart President thanks Continental Airlines
World Class Resorts Choose the Flawless Sunless Tanning System


Our Founder and Chairman Russell Reynolds acquires Directorship, an industry leading corporate governance magazine.
Reynolds transforms the business into a specialized consulting firm focused on corporate governance issues facing CEOs and boards of directors.
The firm added executive search capabilities to provide a more integrated leadership service to the firm's board clients.
Director Education and Corporate Governance Forum Series created to provide a peer-to-peer forum for CEOs and boards to come together for an in-depth idea exchange of best governance practices.
Company changes its name to RSR Partners and spins off its publishing and director education businesses.
The firm continues its expansion with the opening of an office in Dallas, Texas, adding to its existing geographies of Chicago, Cleveland, Greenwich, Los Angeles, and New York.
To address the changing leadership needs in the $72 trillion asset management industry, the firm acquires Higdon Partners, creating a premier asset management recruitment and advisory team.
We remain on the cutting edge of advising boards of directors and chief executive officers on C-suite recruiting, succession planning, and talent assessment. Our clients, no matter what their industry, come to us with a common goal: performance improvement through elevating the caliber of human capital at all levels of the organization.


On May 9, the AAWGT membership voted to award $103,664 to nine area nonprofit organizations, bringing the total investment since 2007 to more than $400,000 that AAWGT has contributed toward improving the lives of women and families in Anne Arundel County. This year marks the first in which grant funds were supplemented by a five percent distribution from AAWGT's Endowment Fund, which was created in 2011 to help sustain AAWGT into the future.
Anne Arundel County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) – $15,000 to supplement staffing for the program that trains volunteers who provide support and advocacy for abused or neglected children in the court system.
The Arc of the Central Chesapeake Region: Family Support Services - $15,000 to help families care for their disabled children at home by paying for adaptive equipment, therapies, medical care, co-pays and other necessities.
Creating Communities: Arts Mentorship Academy - $10,000 for staff and direct program support services to Title I school students, ages 8-17, through an an arts-based alternative education.
Girls on the Run of the Greater Chesapeake: GOTRGC Scholarship Program - $14,593 for support of a structured program that combines a fun experience-based curriculum of training for a 5K race with self-esteem enhancing workshops for preteen girls.
Light House: Family Solutions Program - $10,050 to provide an educational program to help homeless parents become successful in creating secure, caring, enriched family environments for their children.
Partners In Care: Ride Partners - $4,286 to provide arm-in-arm, friendly transportation to older adults who need rides to medical appointments, grocery shopping, and errands allowing them to remain in their homes.
Robert A. Pascal Youth & Family Services: GoGrrls! - $9,735 to provide a prevention program designed to empower and educate at risk girls ages 13-19 through a curriculum of tailored sessions that promote social competence.
The Samaritan Women: Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign in Anne Arundel County – $10,000 to raise awareness of human trafficking issues and facilitate prevention support, intervention and advocacy.
Seeds 4 Success: Eastport Girls Club and I Am A Reader - $15,000 to support the Eastport Girls Club programs, connect with Hispanic youth and their families, and start a new program designed for 1st and 2nd grade students.


Endoscopic surgery has proved of value not only for discectomy but also for many other back problems. With this minimally invasive technique all kinds of herniated disks may be removed in a very tissue-preserving way. It may help also with chronic back problems that result from disk protrusions or tears.
Often the desired enlargement of the spinal canal and decompression of the pinched nerves is possible only with a surgical removal of protruding osteophytes. This used to be a complex surgery on the open spinal canal in the past where great parts of the vertebral arches and joints were removed (laminectomy). Modern minimally invasive techniques today allow for a very tissue-preserving intervention as nerves and blood vessels running through the spinal canal remain unhurt. With the aid of a surgical microscope greatly enlarging the operating field a removal of the narrowing structures to the nearest millimeter is feasible.


text:
Society of the Sacred Heart at the UN
Pause for Peace
RSCJ at the UN
Children and the Holocaust
Anne Frank House (Photo by Cecile Meijer, rscj)
My deepest roots are in the Netherlands, and I grew up with stories, literature and memorials of the Holocaust during World War II. All of these are constant, powerful reminders of the unimaginable human suffering caused by the cruelty of neighboring friends and foes. Unfortunately, such crucifixion of our neighbor still happens today in places around the world.
As we commemorate another International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust (January 27), the word genocide comes to mind, a term first coined by Raphael Lemkin, a Polish legal scholar and refugee in World War II. Regardless whether or not today's horrors in places such as the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo meet the strictly legal standards of the Genocide Convention, persecuting our neighbor in whatever way means denying the human and divine dignity within that person.
The theme of this year's commemoration is Children and the Holocaust. As we remember the sufferings of children during World War II, I invite you to include today's children who are victims of similar war atrocities – child soldiers who have been forcibly recruited; child brides who are 'given' to soldiers as booties of war; refugee children and children in flight; children in conflict zones who are heads of households caring for their younger siblings, and so many others.
Valuable educational resources can be found at:
The Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme
Cecile Meijer, rscj
NGO Office
International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust
Contact Us | Sitemap | RSS | Copyright © 2013 Society of the Sacred Heart | Design by the Stuart Center


text:
The L.A. Clippers: "We are going to find a way to define our own legacy"
September 1, 2018 by Ben Moorcroft
It might be easy, given the events of this summer, to forget that there are two teams located in Los Angeles. Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan have all now left the Clippers, and their city rivals have just acquired the best player in basketball, LeBron James. To the naked eye it is the L.A. Lakers who are on the rise, while the Clippers are condemned to remain in their shadow for years to come. However, it appears no one has told them that.
Point guard Patrick Beverley said:
"We are the best team in L.A…. I'll tell y'all right now, we are the best team in L.A. for sure."
Thanks to the Clippers PR team, we got an exclusive look at what a number of senior figures within the organization thought about the team's offseason, and we also got an glimpse of what it has planned for the future. And it all began with the team trading Miles Bridges to Charlotte for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, prior to drafting Jerome Robinson with the 13th overall pick in the NBA Draft.
Draft picks can be the life-blood of an organization and the Clippers definitely feel like they got their's right.
Jerry West, Basketball Consultant, said: "We got two good players in the draft and you're going to love one in particular because he's going to get a chance to play right away… If Shai got a chance to play on a poor team he'd be right up there for Rookie of the Year. You're going to like him. Plus he's a leader. He's big and competitive as heck and we're thrilled with him."
"Shai is a leader and that is probably one of the things we missed most last year, somebody who's a real leader. Particularly in our backcourt, we have some very talented players. Most of them are sort of two-way guards but he's a ball-handling guard. He's a passer. He's a rebounder. He can score the ball. Regardless of what you're doing you need someone that's going to take you to the promised land and I think you're going to love this kid."
These thoughts were echoed by the President of Basketball Operations, Lawrence Frank: "Jerome (Robinson) is probably the most complete offensive player in the draft and Jerome is a great story of resiliency and character. What these guys share in common is that they are high character, they are ultra-competitive and they are over themselves. They are about the team."
Gilgeous-Alexander definitely showed glimpses of what West was referring to in the Las Vegas Summer League, as he became the first player to average at least 19 points, four assists and two steals across a minimum of three appearances.
During the summer, the Clippers took advantage of an underwhelming free agent market to add some much-needed depth at a low price. Montrezl Harrell and Avery Bradley both re-signed with the team on two-year deals. They were also able to add wing depth in Mike Scott and Luc Mbah a Moute on one-year deals. Their only other piece of offseason business was trading Austin Rivers to Washington for Polish center Marcin Gortat. It is felt that these veterans are not just there to fill out the roster, but that they're there to help the team win now.
Lawrence Frank commented:"When you look at our group, we have great depth. We think Vegas is definitely wrong. I think we are going to put ourselves in a great position to compete for the playoffs. There are very few givens in the Western Conference in terms of who is going to make the playoffs. Very few givens. There are going to be so many teams competing for those spots; we are definitely going to be one of them."
"With the combination of our veterans and some of our young guys, I think we have a great plan. We have a championship coach in Doc Rivers who did as good of a job as anyone last year in leading a group."
Patrick Beverley is also optimistic about how the roster lines up in a very competitive Western Conference: "We are going to give our best effort every night and we are making the playoffs. The makeup of our team, the depth of our team, we are fortunate to be playing for a great city like L.A."
"Team-wise, I want to win a championship. I have been fortunate to be close, I have been fortunate to be around people who have shown me the blueprint."
Having seen their neighbours make splashes in the free agent market this summer, it is quite clear that the Clippers plan to make a similar statement next time round. This comes after Bruce Bowen was relieved of his duties as TV analyst for the team following critical comments he made about future 2019 free agent Kawhi Leonard. This has lead to many speculating that this was an early move in order to help facilitate the way for a smoother run at Kawhi next summer.
Steve Bullmer, L.A. Clippers owner, only confirmed the team's plan to land a star at some point in the near future:"We are going to spend whatever it takes (on free agency). We are going to do absolutely what it takes. We are going to find a way to be what we want to be, we are going to find a way to create a future. We are going to find a way to define our own legacy."
"Right now, we are about winning this year. But, we are planning, we are thinking, we have geniuses working on this stuff, guys like Lawrence Frank, Jerry West, Doc Rivers. We have to do it our own way. We are in a special market with special opportunities."
Lawrence Frank also said: "Like Steve said, we're going to be a very, very competitive group, but at the same time we want to maintain our flexibility. Our flexibility for the first time in a long, long time going forward is going to attract not just being able to take care of current players, but to be able to go after some of the best players in the world because the goal is to win championships. So we have put ourselves in a really good position."
Jerry West is excited about the opportunity to go out a pitch L.A. to NBA superstars: "For the first time in my memory of the Los Angeles Clippers, this team has now flexibility to go after two major free agents and it is up to this organization… They have cleared enough cap space that we can talk to anyone. Whether or not we can convince them to come here will be up to us."
"Oh my goodness, it's like taking a great big breath and, finally, we have this elephant off of our back and now we can go out and pitch our franchise, the ownership and what we are trying to do in the future here."
The NBA cap rises from $94 million to $101 million and then $108 million in 2019 and 2020 respectively. Much like it did in 2016, the cap rise will likely lead to many franchises with unexpected cap room to make it very difficult for those seeking a competitive deal. If we return to a market where Chandler Parsons is a 4-year, $94 million player or Ryan Anderson is worthy of 4-years and $80 million then it is unlikely that the Clippers could afford the three All-Stars they will need to propel them to a championship.
The 2019 free agency class includes Leonard, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler and, Klay Thompson. However, the Clippers will not be the only team in L.A., never mind the league, who will be competing for their signatures. It is not us who the organization needs to convince about their vision, but the players if they are to transform this team in just a summer.
It appears that their new additions, by the way of the draft, free agency, and trades, have made this team optimistic they can quietly go about their business under the radar this year. However, what is obvious is that regardless of their record the Clippers hope they will not have to sit on the sidelines and watch LeBron's Lakers dominate the city for too long. They, too, hope to be the team everyone is talking about next summer.
All quotes used in this article were provided by the Clippers PR team
The Los Angeles Clippers, are the here and now
July 9, 2019 by Guest Contribution
After decades of shortcomings, the LA Clippers and their ClipperNation finally have a shot at at title. Guest Contributor and Clippers Fan, Tom Young gives his reaction to one of the biggest moves in NBA history.


In the recent years, the acai berry, indigenous to the forests found in the Amazon valley, have made a solid reputation as a nutritious food supplement that contains a variety of ingredients beneficial to the human body such as fatty and Amino acids, vitamins, fibers, nutrients and importantly, antioxidants. Not only is it highly nutritious but it is also very delicious. It gives a distinct flavor combining grape and chocolate flavors.
Colon cleansing has been one of the biggest concerns of many people in the past few decades. The foods we eat are not totally flushed out and some may still remain inside our body if not digested properly. In time, these undigested food will line up our colon then harden, becoming a safe haven for many toxins. And as time goes by, these toxins will lead to serious health conditions such as cancer. That is why it is essential that we are able to detoxify and cleanse our colon.
Acai berries have been discovered to be a great aid in colon cleansing. This fruit contains high levels of antioxidants which can greatly help in removing toxins and wastes from our body. It also works fast and in a natural way. Also, acai berry contains a good degree of fiber which is scientifically known to greatly aid in digesting the food we eat. This ensures that no waste is left behind and is easily flushed out of our system. One great and positive effect of an acai berry colon cleansing program is that it also affects the lower torso part of our body which promotes weight loss in our stomach, leading to a flat tummy.
So, you not only help fight off cancer and other diseases, you also promote the well-being of your colon, removing the deeply deposited and hardened waste, flushing it out of your body. As these wastes are removed, you will soon discover that you will lose a good number of pounds from your weight.
Aiding the natural oxidation process of our body which results to decreasing the inflammation of our liver and stomach.
Playing a role in leveling our nervous system which leads to the eradication of depression, minimizing the risks of heart problems, and promoting the welfare of our cardiovascular system.
Rejuvenation of damaged cells which allows for faster recovery from injuries.
Enhance eyesight and skin health.
And, help decrease diabetes complication by blood sugar stabilization.
All of these may sound too improbable for such a small fruit to achieve. But in all honestly, the acai berry can do all of these things. But you must also make sure that you don't abuse your body. Lead a healthy lifestyle and the acai berry will be there to help you.


Mike Williamson is an English football player who currently features for the Premier League club Newcastle United. He plays as a central defender.
Williamson commenced his professional club football career at Torquay United in 2001 after which he moved to Southampton. He was on the Saints' book for four years but failed to make a single league appearance, playing on loan for Torquay and Doncaster Rovers during that period.
Williamson joined Wycombe Wanderers after leaving Southampton and it was there that he finally hit the ground running. After scoring 10 goals in 144 impressive league fixtures, he earned himself a move to Watford and then to Portsmouth.
However, he was farmed out on loan to Newcastle for the second half of the 2009-10 season after which he was signed by the Magpies on a permanent contract. Since then Williamson has made over 80 league appearances, consolidating himself as an important player for Newcastle.


text:
By Spencer Anderson
Muir Street is like Milton Street MPD, a purely fictitious layout and is named after the primary school I attended many years ago in Motherwell. It came about with me wanting at some point to build a model of the footbridge at the north end of Motherwell station, which crosses the WCML between Ladywell Road and Muir Street. This would not have fitted in on Milton Street and so thoughts turned to a very simple double track main line layout, purely for running wrong line light locomotives.
The theory is that the line is situated between an MPD and a station/goods yard where the locos would run either to pick up their train or to the MPD to be serviced. I originally had the track straight but, Bill (he of the haircut fame), advised curving it, which improves the look greatly. There is a retaining wall to the rear of the tracks with an embankment leading up to the main feature of the layout which will be the back yards and low relief tenement buildings. I am considering having two identical footbridges at each end of the scenic section and cannot resist having a couple of signals operated by the incredibly realistic Megapoints control system.
Progress can be followed on the Muir Street Updates page.


The following Sunday at church I asked the branch president for another interview. I told him I felt that the Lord had forgiven me and that He had accepted my commitment to pay tithing, which I began doing that very Sunday. "Am I worthy to receive the priesthood?" I asked.
Today I have a powerful testimony of tithing and the abundant blessings that come from paying it. In countless interviews since that Sunday more than 35 years ago, whenever my leaders have asked me if I pay a full tithe, I have been happy to answer yes!


Missing Sleep? How Helpful is Counting Sheep?
For pain patients, sleep is precious. Sleep is a respite from a tough day and allows pain patients to tolerate discomfort. Lack of sleep not only isn't restorative enough, it also inhibits our abilities to handle pain.
Unfortunately, many pain patients also suffer from insomnia.
The traditional answer has always been to literally "count sheep". This has meant envisioning sheep going by and counting them. The practice probably is a relic from an old shepherding tradition of having to count the herds before bedtime.
But not every old practice works, and apparently, counting sheep actually extends wakefulness.
So, what can help you get to sleep?
A cool room, but not too cold.
Comfortable proximity to your significant other. Many people like to sleep while in physical contact with their partner. Others like their partner nearby but not touching.
Comfortable breathable nightwear (or none at all, if it's more comfortable).
Reading a fairly mundane book–no thrillers, mysteries or bodice-ripping romances. I'm reminded of my friend who was a camp counselor and would read to his campers from his college macroeconomics textbook every night.
Visualize relaxing settings that you like (a peaceful coastline, a mountain view, a snowy walk, a path in the woods).
Breathe naturally but slowly and deliberately.
You can play some mind games, particularly if they are a little boring. Alphabet games are great because you typically won't make it to "z". Think of a place that begins with each letter or a celebrity (first or last name).
Spiritual or prayerful thoughts. If you've memorized a few psalms or Bible verses, say them to yourself silently. Think of every person you know and say a silent wish for them.
If you consistently cannot fall asleep (or stay asleep), discuss this with your health care team. You may need to be evaluated by a sleep specialist to rule out sleep apnea and evaluate if you would benefit from a mild nighttime sedative.
The first sign of Michigan Spring? Asparagus!
Michigan produce is legendary from its berries to vegetables to its amazing apples.
But the earliest crop to be ready in Michigan year after year is asparagus. Depending on the length and intensity of the winter, the asparagus crop becomes ready in late April or May. This year's relatively mild winter bodes well for fresh asparagus right about now.
Did you know that Michigan is the #2 producer of asparagus in the country with the majority of the farms in western Michigan? You probably didn't.
Cook asparagus and serve them as a side dish, topped with a splash of lemon juice and Parmesan cheese, added to salads of all kinds, as a base for chicken dishes or grilled with savory dipping sauces.
Combine asparagus and 1/4 cup water in a small microwave-safe bowl; cover and microwave at HIGH 2 minutes or until tender. Rinse with cold water; drain. Combine chives, dill, salt, pepper, nutmeg and eggs in a medium bowl; stir with a whisk.
Preheat broiler to high. Heat a small ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add oil; swirl to coat. Add asparagus and egg mixture to pan; cook 3 minutes or until eggs are partially set, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with cheese.
Place pan under broiler. Broil 2 minutes or until eggs are set and top is lightly browned.
Remove pan from oven. Run a spatula around edge and under frittata to loosen from pan; slide frittata onto a plate or cutting board. Cut into 4 wedges.
Trying to make changes to your eating? Sometimes it's your recipe that needs the workout. Here are some easy steps to make your favorite recipes just a touch lighter and healthier.
Cut back on fat. If a baked good calls for butter, oil or shortening, you can substitute half the amount with mashed banana, prunes or even applesauce. If the recipe calls for whole milk, switch to ½ % or even skim. Sour cream can be replaced with the lowfat offering, and most cheeses can be replaced with their lower fat counterparts.
Sugar can be replaced with any no calorie substitute of your choosing. Sometimes you may actually have to add more than the equivalence. Try some taste tests to see what works best.
Reduce half of the salt in most dishes without sacrificing flavors. The caveat is baked goods that call for yeast may require an exact salt amount.
Switch out ground turkey for ground beef, especially in casseroles, soups and chili. It not only is lower calorie, it's cheaper too.
Try the least amount of oil and always use a liquid, not shortening if you can. Sprayed non-stick oil works for lots of cooking jobs like sautéing meat and vegetables.
If you are afraid to "mess" with a classic, consider serving the modified recipes first for your family. If they don't notice or complain about the changes, you can feel confident in bringing your altered recipe to any potluck celebration.


We're sorry. The special offer has ended.
If you aren't a member of our free options trading community, join now!
Copyright 2018-2019 Aeromir Corporation. All rights reserved.
Aeromir Corporation is NOT a Broker Dealer. Aeromir Corporation engages in trader education and training. Aeromir Corporation offers a number of products and services via the internet at aeromir.com. Aeromir Corporation offers web-based, interactive training courses on demand.
The webinars and seminars given by Aeromir Corporation are for educational purposes only. This information neither is, nor should be construed, as an offer, or a solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell securities. You shall be fully responsible for any investment decision you make, and such decisions will be based solely on your evaluation of your financial circumstances, investment objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs.
Options and futures involve risks and are not suitable for all investors. Prior to buying or selling an option, you must receive a copy of Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options. Copies are available from your broker, by calling 1-888-OPTIONS, or at www.theocc.com. The information on this web site is provided solely for general education and information purposes. No statement should be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell a security or to provide investment advice. You are fully responsible for any investment decisions you make. Such decisions should be based solely on your evaluation of your financial circumstances. Such decisions should be based solely on your evaluation of your financial circumstances, investment objectives, risk tolerance and liquidity needs. Supporting documentation for any claims, comparisons, statistics or other technical data in this presentation is available at Aeromir Corporation (support@aeromir.com).


If you are looking for unique hen party ideas and have something in mind, we can do the organising for you. If you have an active group of ladies wanting to be adventurous with a twist, why not try body sphereing in your PJ's or even Bungee Rocketing in a bikini! Canoeing, Kayaking or Indoor Snowboarding, we can arrange for your hen party to be as unique as you desire.
The party ideas can get even more exciting, you may prefer to play crazy golf in fancy dress, laser combat in wellington boots or even a sky dive simulator with funky hats! These can all be arranged.
Cocktail making to cupcake decorating, all can be included in your weekend. From unusual mystery weekends far away to going to your local pub for your hen do parties, we have booked them all. The Perfect Weekend Company can personalise a package just for you, no matter how crazy your idea, how big or small, we ensure every bride-to-be has the experience that she dreamed of.


text:
Шарлоттский трамвай () — историческая трамвайная линия, которая действовала в Шарлотте (Северная Каролина). Линия проходила по правой колее бывшей Norfolk Southern Railway от Тремонт-авеню в Саут-Энде в северном направлении до конечной остановки на 9-й улице в центре города. Пути одновременно использовались с LYNX Blue Line.

История
Шарлоттский трамвай стал возрождением трамвайного сообщения в Шарлотте после закрытия прежней транспортной сети, работавшей с 18 мая 1891 года до 14 марта 1938 года. Первый трамвай вышел на линию 30 августа 1996 года. В течение первых шести месяцев опытной эксплуатации маршрут работал по вечерам в четверг, пятницу и субботу и во второй половине дня в воскресенье. В опытный период вагоны ходили по трёхкилометровому участку между трамвайным депо Атертон-Милл и Стоунуолл-стрит.

За полгода работы, к 28 февраля 1997 года пассажиропоток трамвая составил 25 000 человек. Опытная эксплуатация была признана успешной, и Norfolk Southern Railway получила контракт на годовое использование её путей для трамвайного сообщения.

После постройки нового моста над Стоунуолл-стрит началась ежедневное сообщение между Атертон-Милл в Саут-Энде и 9-й улицей в центре города. Первый трамвай по этому маршруту прошёл 28 июня 2004 года. До этой даты трамвай обслуживали добровольцы (в том числе пенсионеры), часть которых затем была нанята Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), осуществлявшей дальнейшую эксплуатацию системы. Были закуплены три вагона-реплики № 85, оригинал которых построен в 1920-е годы.

Приостановление и окончание эксплуатации
Эксплуатация системы была временно приостановлена 5 февраля 2006 года, когда началась реконструкция путей для запуска «легкого метро». Первоначально предполагалось, что перерыв продолжится год, затем ещё на год, до начала работы лёгкого метро, вагоны выйдут на линию. Однако к ноябрю 2006 года CATS решила, что вариант с использованием трамвая во время строительства невыполним.

Возобновление работы трамвая состоялось 20 апреля 2008 года, на линию вышли старинные вагоны, следовавшие по тем же путям, что и лёгкое метро. С появлением LYNX Blue Line ежедневная работа Шарлоттского трамвая прекратилась, вагоны перевозили пассажиров только по выходным. Окончательное закрытие трамвайного сообщения произошло 28 июня 2010 года. Шарлоттский трамвай в дальнейшем сосредоточил усилия на сохранении подвижного состава в музее рядом с Ист-Вест-стейшн.

Подвижной состав
На линии работали три вагона-реплики трамвая 1920-х годов. Они были доставлены в Шарлотт Gomaco Trolley Company осенью 2004 года. Вагоны получили номера 91, 92 и 93.

Исторические вагоны

Вагон № 1
Вагон № 1 был построен в Филадельфии по J. G. Brill Company в 1907 году и первоначально использовались в Афинах (Греция). Реставрация вагона была завершена в 1989 году Брюсом Тейном из Гилфорда (Коннектикут).

Вагон № 85
Вагон № 85 стал последним электрическим трамваем, вышедшим на линию в Шарлотте 14 марта 1938 года. Александр Гарфилд Колли-старший руководил вагоновожатыми на момент закрытия линии, его сын, Александр Гарфилд Колли-младший, лично вёл № 85 в последней поездке. В своем личном дневнике, Колли-старший описал последнюю поездку: он попросил сына уступить ему место и сам сел на кресло вагоновожатого. Пятьдесят три года спустя, когда вагон № 85 вернулся на линию, пассажирами а первой официальной поездки стали несколько потомков Колли: Чарльз Рид Колли-старший (сын) с женой Луизой Бриггс-Колли; Джон Уэйн Колли (внук); Томас А. Колли (внук); Рой Алан Колли (внук). Рой Алан Колли родился после смерти деда. После закрытия трамвайной линии город использовал в качестве общественного транспорта исключительно автобус, пока в 2007 году не была открыта Blue Line. После завершения работы вагон № 85 был продан за $100 вместе с остальным подвижным составом. О его местонахождении не было известно в течение 50 лет, пока вагон не был обнаружен в Хантерсвилле (Северная Каролина) в ноябре 1987 года.

Найденный вагон был передан Исторической комиссии Шарлотта для восстановление. Реставрация началась на SpringFest 89 была завершена в 1991 году. Стоимость работ составила чуть более $100 000.

Вернувшись на линию в 1996 году, , № 85 возил пассажиров до временного прекращения движения в 2006 году. В марте 2007 года было объявлено, что в связи с несоответствием требованиям безопасности в дальнейшем вагон использоваться не будет. Компания Charlotte Trolley, Inc., владелец вагона, в 2008 году заключила с городом соглашение о намерениях, по которому получила право выпускать вагон на линию до двух раз в год. Вагон находится на хранении в депо CATS на Саут-бульвар.

Вагон № 117
Ашвиллский трамвай № 117 был изготовлен в 1927 году J. G. Brill Company. Осенью того же года Carolina Power & Light Company закупила десять таких вагонов для Эшвилла (Северная Каролина).

Вагон № 117 ожидает восстановления в депо Шарлоттского трамвая.

Примечания

Ссылки

Трамвайные системы США
Шарлотт (Северная Каролина)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Rejuvenate Outdoor Cleaner Concentrate 32 oz.
With the time and money we invest to keep the interior of our home neat and clean, we may neglect the importance of exterior maintenance. Ace offers a variety of outdoor cleaners that will help keep to the outside of your home looking just as well kept as it does on the inside.
Over time, windows collect dirt and dust that is stirred up outside, making them look dingy and dull. Applying an outdoor window cleaner at least once each season will help to keep your windows looking clear. These cleaners often times include special applicators or can be applied by attaching to your garden hose.
Spending time outside is much more enjoyable when you are relaxing on a clean deck. Keep your deck in top shape by cleaning and sealing it at least once a year. A wood sealer will protect the deck from moisture and help extend its longevity. Before applying a sealer it is important to thoroughly clean your deck. Once your deck is swept clear of debris, you're ready to scrub it down with a deck cleaner. Ace carries several deck cleaners, including a specially formulated composite deck cleaner. For large decks, a pressure washer will help save time.
When it comes to exterior maintenance in the warmer months, many homeowners overlook their air conditioning units. A coil cleaner helps to remove the dirt that accumulates on air conditioner fins and coils from exposure to outdoor elements. Using coil cleaners will keep your unit working more efficiently, keeping your home cooler while saving you money.
Be sure to keep the exterior of your home clean with help from Ace. We have everything you need to keep your home beautiful, inside and out.


text:
Q: HTML5Mode, AngularJS and Grunt Build Control Hoping someone can answer this because I'm struggling...
I have an angular js app that was build with the yo-angular generator. All works fine with deploying through grunt build control, as long as I'm not using the #-free "html5mode."
However, once I enable html5mode to remove the # from my routing and then deploy, my app on github pages doesn't point to the correct source for its scripts and such... For instance, I'm getting a 404 error because it's looking for http://{{user name}}.github.io/scripts/{{name of file}}, instead of http://{{user name}}.github.io/{{app name}}/scripts/{{name of file}}
How can I get it to point to the correct directory?
Hope this makes sense. I'll share more if needed!

A: You also need to configure the server. The configuration change will depend on what technology you are using to host the app on the server. How to configure your server to work with html5mode


text:
Tregarden is a Grade II* listed large house built by the Barrett family in the late 16th century in the parish of St Mabyn, Cornwall, England.

The house is built to a traditional E-shaped Elizabethan plan. The entrance archway is dated 1631, the date that William Godolphin married the Barrett heiress. The Hearth Tax Returns for 1664 record it as having 8 hearths. The house became a farmhouse in the 19th century. It is currently a restored manor house owned by the Tremayne family.

The house
The entrance archway has an inscription "1631" but it is likely that the house had its origins at an earlier date than that. It is a two-storey house built of rubble stone with a regular slate roof. The chimney stacks are also rubble and have seventeenth century granite caps. The house has an E-shaped plan, with a central, two storey porch and two wings at either end with gable ends. On the upper storey there are 3-light mullion windows, with two sets between the projecting left wing and the porch, one set to the right and one set on each side of the wings and of the porch. On the ground floor, there are 4-light mullion windows with a central wide mullion, set symmetrically below the first floor windows.

The interior of the house has many original features. The main hall has a chamfered fireplace beside a seventeenth century door, and well-preserved plasterwork from the same period at the rear displays the heraldic arms of the Barrett, Bere, Trewin, Coade and Kestell families. The parlour has a sixteenth century or early seventeenth century granite fireplace with a central triangular motif and roll moulding. The main staircase is eighteenth century. Off two of the upstairs chambers, there are seventeenth century garderobes or closets, with single-light windows with pointed tops, each carved from a single piece of timber. The property seems to have been reroofed in the twentieth century. The house is recorded as having eight hearths in the Hearth Tax Returns for 1664.

Tregarden is a Grade II* listed, having been listed on 4 November 1988. It is now used as holiday accommodation, sleeping thirteen people.

References

External links

Country houses in Cornwall
Grade II* listed buildings in Cornwall
National Heritage List for England
Buildings and structures in Cornwall


wear and tear to laminate wood floor laminate flooring wear and tear ,although laminate flooring is very durable, when the wear layer is worn , wear and tear the product can hold up to, flooring .
laminate flooring wear and tear - composite decking price how well does laminate flooring stand up to usual wear and tear? . i hear laminate flooring is supposed to be more durable than real hardwood floor.
protect your laminate floors against wear and tear protect your laminate floors against wear and tear.invest in affordable and quality laminate flooring for your property to keep it current and modern for less.
how well does laminate flooring stand up to usual wear and . how well does laminate flooring stand up to usual wear and tear? . and don't cry when your dogs' toenails tear up your costco flooring. laurel · 10 .
what is a laminate flooring wear rating? | home guides | sf gate what is a laminate flooring wear rating? . a wear rating is an indicator of how well the floor will stand up to daily wear and tear. modern laminate floors are .
laminate flooring ac wear ratings - learning center suitable in residential spaces that don't see a tremendous amount of wear and tear like . laminate flooring please . flooring showdown: laminate .
laminate wood flooring - laminate flooring - the home depot flooring; laminate flooring; laminate wood . conquer high-traffic area wear and tear in . high gloss 10 mm laminate flooring simulates an high gloss 10 mm .
normal wear and tear or damage on laminate wood floors .that type of flooring she said . normal wear and tear because. show more the laminate floor rose . wear and tear or damage on laminate .
laminate | majestic floorings laminate flooring offers durability by being resistant to normal wear and tear and remains resistant to stains and sunlight fading.wear layer the wear layer is a .
the pros and cons of hardwood vs. laminate wood flooring . assess the traffic load and wear and tear on flooring in your home.from minor accidents to excessive wear and tear, laminate and hardwood have advantages and .


text:
package in.beacandid.app.beacandid.notifications_page;

import android.content.Context;
import android.content.SharedPreferences;
import android.preference.PreferenceManager;
import android.support.annotation.NonNull;
import android.text.TextUtils;

import java.util.UUID;

final class Uuid {

    private static final String KEY = "uuid";

    /**
     * @return UUID.randomUUID() or a previously generated UUID, stored in SharedPreferences
     */
    static String get(@NonNull Context context) {
        final SharedPreferences prefs = PreferenceManager.getDefaultSharedPreferences(context.getApplicationContext());
        if (prefs.contains(KEY)) {
            final String value = prefs.getString(KEY, null);
            if (!TextUtils.isEmpty(value)) {
                return value;
            }
        }
        final String uuid = UUID.randomUUID().toString();
        prefs.edit().putString(KEY, uuid).apply();
        return uuid;
    }

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
The School of Biological Sciences
AI mission accomplished: Shazam for dolphin calls
by Virginia Iorio-Merlo & Dr Oihane Fernández-Betelu
Bottlenose dolphin capturing salmon in the Moray Firth
A spectrogram including 4 bray calls highlighted with yellow squares
PhD candidate Virginia Iorio-Merlo (top middle), Dr Oihane Fernandez-Betelu (top right), Rachael Xi Cheng (bottom middle) and Simone Prentice (bottom right).
AI is a branch of computer science which develops algorithms that enable computers to perform complex tasks and learn from experience, as if they were intelligent beings. Although we are often unaware of it, AI is part of our daily life: it corrects our texts, filters spam emails, recognises the songs we are listening to…
Research is also benefiting from advances in AI technologies. AI algorithms can automate tasks to speed them up and reduce human effort. The best part is that AI is perfect for working on repetitive tasks because it doesn't get tired or bored. For instance, AI can count the number of zebras in a photograph, or even identify individual manta rays from their unique markings. Meanwhile, biologists can invest more of their time answering key research questions that can improve our knowledge and help conserve and manage populations.
Why did we need AI?
Studying marine organisms is challenging, particularly for wide-ranging species that surface quickly and forage on prey you might never see. Thankfully, marine mammals are often very communicative underwater, and we can use vocalizations to study their presence and behaviour. For instance, the bottlenose dolphins we study make a specific sound when foraging for salmon. These bray calls are very distinctive donkey-like vocalizations (see figure below and listen to the audio clip here). However, identifying these underwater sounds is not easy or quick. For years we've relied on researchers spending days manually checking underwater recordings, searching for bray calls to identify when they were produced.
How does DOLPHIN-SPOT work?
As part of our PhDs, we've studied interactions between dolphins and salmon in the Moray Firth (North East Scotland). Our aim was to study environmental factors affecting dolphin-salmon interactions in two foraging hotspots. After collecting our acoustic data, we faced the challenge of processing months of sound recordings, which could be a time-consuming process. Luckily, at the latest World Marine Mammal conference, Rachael Xi Cheng (Osnabrük University) came to our rescue. Rachel and her colleagues have developed an AI detector for killer whale calls called ORCA-SPOT. As killer whale vocalizations are similar to dolphin calls, we were able to re-train the same AI algorithm to recognise dolphin brays, and so DOLPHIN-SPOT was born. In simple terms, these AI detectors work like the app Shazam from our mobile phones, they "listen" to the audio recordings and tell us when they detect a vocalisation. While the shazam app recognises songs, these AI algorithms recognise specific orca/dolphin vocalizations. After many months of work, our DOLPHIN-SPOT AI model is processing data faster than we could have ever imagined. For example, to manually process 1 hour of audio-recordings, we would have taken approximately 1 hour to extract dolphin vocalizations, whilst the automatic detector does the work for us in under a minute. DOLPHIN-SPOT has made it possible to process months of data collected in 2020 in just a few days, which is allowing us to investigate important conservations questions faster - stay tuned for some exciting results coming out soon.
For more details on DOLPHIN-SPOT have a look at our 5 min presentation here and if you want even more details here you'll find a presentation we gave at the SBS informal seminar in May 2021 (~ 1 h approx.).
What made it possible?
As biologists, with no prior knowledge of AI, creating DOLPHIN-SPOT has been a particularly challenging journey. However, we made it (!) and we wanted to share some lessons we learned along the way:
First and foremost, the importance of collaborative and interdisciplinary work. This project has been a great example of the phrase "teamwork makes the dream work". We have collaborated with computer scientists to implement a cutting-edge methodology, enabling us to test hypotheses that were impossible to investigate a few months ago. In an era where AI can provide scientists with new tools, building partnerships with computer scientists is vital. We know the knowledge gaps in our fields and the tools we need to answer them, while they have the computer skills to create them - it's the perfect match. If you have a repetitive manual task, there is probably a computer scientist out there who can automate it for you. You just need to find them and provide them with good quality data for training their algorithm.
The realisation that we didn't need to understand everything, just enough, to make DOLPHIN-SPOT work. ORCA-SPOT was originally written on Python, a coding language which was totally alien to us. Although we have learned lots during our journey, we don't understand every line of code and there's no need to. As a team, we share a knowledge of the process, and we trust each other's expertise for the details.
Finally, open-source resources move science forward. We were only able to create an automatic detector of bottlenose dolphin calls because the developers of ORCA-SPOT made all the code available on GitHub (thanks Bergler et al.!). We share the philosophy that science should be reproducible, and publicly available. Therefore, we'll also share all the protocols and code that we created during the development of DOLPHIN-SPOT and, this way, other marine mammal researchers won't face the same systematic challenges we did. Moreover, our automatic detector will be available in PAMGuard, an open-source software for passive acoustic monitoring. Stay tuned for updates on this @CromartyLH, @virgiIorio and @OihaneFdez.
How can AI help you?
Whatever the field you work in, AI could potentially provide a huge benefit to your work, as it did to ours. So be creative and think outside the box, if we made it, you definitely can do it too.
Published by The School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen
Previous Post Presenting at the 6th International Marine Connectivity Conference
Next Post A non-native shrub invading a dry Andean valley: predicting the spread of Pyracantha angustifolia
Careers and Employability (14)
Events and Activities (25)
Fieldwork (21)
Select year 2023 2022 2021 2020


The masterclass program, Connected Imaginations, incorporates the latest research into how adults learn and the most innovative configuration of various apps, tools, and Web services.
Much of the most recent research into learning and, especially new skill acquisition by adults, reveals the power of immersive, highly collaborative small groups that use a common set of tools and vocabulary to complete a project, competing with other groups performing similar work on the basis of time, quality, ingenuity, and group cohesion.
Yes, quite a mouthful, that last sentence.
In a nutshell, our faculty and peer mentors use the latest in learning practices and tools in fun, collaborative environments.
While it may vary from one group to another, we have found that more than 50 percent of what individuals learn derives from peer interactions within small groups and facilitated discussions in larger open-ended groups.
We go to great it lengths to create interesting and engaging salons, much like a grand hostess of a dinner party will take great care in seating arrangements.
Small-group arrangements represent one of the most critical faculty members of our salons!
With this in mind, we select our faculty and peer mentors for their interpersonal skills such as intuition, rapport, soft questioning, and facilitation as well as hard skills such as analysis, logical argumentation, crisp expository writing, data visualization, and technical fluency with various apps and Web services.


Hi there, just wondered exactly which trip you are down for and when you are going. I am off to Gokyo and base camp on 18/11/08.
not a racing snake are you?
you got any previous experience of this sort of thing etc?
As above, by the way, it appears there are only 4 spaces left so the group looks like being 12 strong.


VACATION PLANT SITTER AT YOUR SERVICE: Simply fill a bottle with water, insert Plant-A-Bottle into the soil and go on vacation or on a business trip while your plant stays wet and cared for. No more hiring a plant sitter or coming home to dead plants!
UNDENIABLY THE BEST: No need to think about watering your plants on a daily basis; use that extra time to do something fun. Great gift for: Mother's Day, Father's Day, Birthday, Boss, Bridesmaids, or just because, for anyone who loves their plants.
EASY AS PIE: With this simple device any plant container can be converted into a self watering container. Enjoyment is one order away. Plant-A-Bottle can be used in your Home, Office, Patio or Garden potted plants. You will be the envy of your friends!
HAPPY, HEALTHY PLANTS: Four (4) Plant Spikes per package to keep your plants from drying out, and eliminates the need to haul heavy watering cans that can wash away soil, drip on the floor and wash nutrients out of the pot from over-watering. Bring the joy of plants back to your home and office.
ECO-FRIENDLY: Plant-A-Bottle is a great Eco-Friendly solution for watering plants and recycling any bottle. This is your chance to make a statement with your Favorite Recycled Beverage Bottle. Works great with: Wine, Liquor, Beer, or any other long neck bottle. Give your Plants some Personality!
Sometimes your plants need a drink too, and what better way than allowing them to water themselves.
With Plant-A-Bottle you will be able to recycle an old wine, liquor, or beer bottles and go from manual plant watering to automated plant watering.
Plant-A-Bottle will keep your soil moist for up to two weeks and will promote a healthy root system.
This eco-friendly watering system will keep your plants healthier by not over watering and flushing away soil and nutrients that your plants need.
Plant-A-Bottle measures 6.5" X 2" and is made from terracotta.
Plant-A-Bottle will keep plants hydrated for up to 2 weeks on a single bottle of water.
1. Fill recycled bottle with water.
2. Place Plant-A-Bottle spike on top of the bottle.
3. Flip over and place spike securely in potted plant.
We have recently improved our packaging to improve the durability of our product.


text:
Express Entry draws will become targeted
Canada intends to invite candidates who are in demand in the labour market.
Starting in 2023, Canada is ready to hold targeted draws in the Express Entry system. This was announced by Minister of Immigration Sean Fraser in an interview with Reuters.
Targeted draws will allow the country to invite candidates with the necessary education, experience in a particular field, knowledge of French, or those who have received a nomination from a particular province. In this way, the experience and skills of newcomers will meet the current labour market needs.
The government intends to pay special attention to doctors and nurses. But this will only affect immigration to those provinces that are easing the recognition of foreign medical degrees and allow specialists to start practicing immediately after moving. So far, in most parts of the country, medics cannot get a job unless they have a Canadian education.
For a long time, there has been a huge labour shortage in Canada. The number of open jobs is up to a million. Canada intends to deal with it with the help of immigrants. So, in 2023, the country will aim to welcome 465,000 newcomers. The fastest way to immigrate is through federal programs, which function through the Express Entry system. According to the immigration plan, Canada will accept 21% of all newcomers in 2023 through these programs.
Every two weeks, a few thousand people are invited through Express Entry draws. But the problem is that invitations are sent to candidates who score more points for age, education, work experience, language skills, and similar factors. The field of education and occupation do not play a role. As a result, Canada invites young highly qualified specialists, but they are not always the people who are in demand on the market. That is why the government intends to conduct targeted draws.
In addition to labour shortages, Canada is already facing housing affordability issues. Sean Fraser said the country would be taking in more skilled construction workers to build new homes, and would also be focusing on getting more immigrants to move to areas that can accommodate that number of newcomers.
Start preparing for immigration to Canada well in advance. Book a consultation with our licensed specialist to assess your chances for permanent residency, select an immigration program and develop your relocation strategy.
#Canada news
#immigration to Canada
#immigration to Canada through Express Entry
#Express Entry in Canada
#federal immigration programs to Canada
#permanent residence in Canada
#permanent residence in Canada through Express Entry
#Express Entry selections
#immigration selections in Canada
#news about Express Entry
#changes in Express Entry
#changes in immigration to Canada
#immigration to Canada 2023
#visa to Canada 2023
#relocation to Canada
#relocation to Canada 2023
#immigration through Express Entry in 2023
Immigrant protests in Canada and other news
Ontario is waiting for entrepreneurs
The number of those wishing to immigrate to Canada has increased ...
Now everyone has enough money to immigrate through one of the pro...
Manitoba dropped points in a new drawing
Immigrant protests in Canada and other news 450,000 fast visas to Canada and other news 10 reasons to move to Canada in 2023 Spend your summer to your advantage - language camp in Canada for teen... Canada introduced COVID tests and welcomed a record number of immigran...


Emily has experience of working in both hectic larger practices and a smaller, independent environment. She brings the skills this experience has given her to Shore Sight primarily as a member of our reception team, but also occasionally as an advisor on spectacle dispensing.
Outside of work, Emily enjoys keeping fit (although sometimes begrudgingly!) and taking part in several local social groups - that is, when she finds time amongst being mum to her little girl!


We can run from them the whole life by starting new projects again and again, but, eventually, we'll end up with a legacy project. Whether it is a small pet-project, that "just-need-to-be-updated" or a huge enterprise monster with tons of dependencies, there'll be a legacy. The legacy will find us.
In this talk, we'll see how one can remain sane while working on the legacy project.
Everyone knows that working on the legacy project can be really painful, so at first, we'll talk about how to avoid those projects at all. While every developer tends to call every project legacy and rewrite everything, sometimes it is hard for the developers to explain to non-developer-species why some specific project is a legacy in simple words. In outsourcing, an explanation with clear, understandable facts can help to avoid that kind of projects. So in this talk, we'll see how to quickly check an gather the facts about the current state of the project. This will help us in the decision whether the project should be taken in or not. Also, a quick check will allow us to understand which parts of the project we should concentrate the most.
I've got a Legacy project. What should I do immediately?
Next, we'll discuss some important steps which need to be done once a project was taken in. While these steps will work for any project, for legacy projects, you have a small window of time when these steps will work. I.e, talking to a person who wrote this project directly, can save us a lot of time.
In the next part of the talk, we'll concentrate on the specific approaches on how to work with a legacy code in general. Here we'll cover such topics as "How should I change that big thing", "Should I rewrite this module", "How to write code that will be understood in the future". Here we'll also discuss things that should make a project "less-legacy".
In the final part of the talk, we'll see how to answer the question: "Are we better than developers who wrote this project before?"
@8b2f2d3e6553c2b4048b93300959895ab76b4154 well, yes. This part will be covered as well.
So what you mean is evolving an app over time without stopping all forward motion to rewrite it from the ground up?


text:
NAS RA ՀԱՅ РУС
Innovation Proposals
Publications in Press
"Gitutyun" newspaper
Other Academies
Institute of Oriental Studies
Division of Armenology and Social Sciences
Specialization: History and Philology of the Near and Middle East
Founded year: 1971
Director: Academician, Dr. of Hist. Sci., Professor
Ruben А. Safrastyan
Address: 24g Marshal Baghramian Ave., Yerevan 0019, Republic of Armenia
Phone number: (+374 10) 583382
Fax: (+374 10) 505075
E-mail: rsafrastyan {[ at ]} sci.am
Website: http://orient.sci.am/
Main Fields of Activity
- History, culture of the Middle East, and Eastern Asia and contemporary regional problems;
- Studies on history, internal and foreign policy, socio-economic situation, ideological streams, policy of Genocide and other principal issues of the Ottoman Empire and Turkish Republic;
- Studies on history of national liberation movements in Arabic countries, the trends of their socio-political and spiritual-cultural development, inter-Arabic, as well as Armenian-Arabic historical and political relations, the role of Islam and research of history of Armenian communities in Arabic countries;
- Studies on history of Iran, internal and foreign policy, Iranian philology and Armenian-Iranian historical and cultural relations;
- Studies on the Kurds, their history, folklore, Armenian-Kurdish relations;
- The main problems of the history of Christian Orient and Caucasus, Caucasian Albania, Armenian-Byzantine political-confessional relations and Armenian-Georgian relations;
- Studies on the main issues of history and culture of cuneiform and Hellenistic civilizations;
- Տtudy of Eastern sources, documents and their translation into Armenian.
Main scientific achievements:
- The Institute of Oriental Studies published more than 450 books and collections of papers, as well as several thousands of scientific articles;
- Several works published by the Institute are due of mention, them being "Turkish Sources about Armenia and the Armenians" (4 volumes), "Arabic Sources about Armenia and Neighboring Countries", "The Documents of the Matenadaran in Persian" (4 volumes), "History of Arabic Countries" (4 volumes), "History of Iran", etc.
- The Institute publishes various collections of articles, namely "Countries and Peoples of the Near and Middle East", "Turkic and Ottoman Studies", "Middle East", "Caucasia and Byzantium", "Ancient Orient", "Eastern Asian Studies", "Contemporary Eurasia"
Website last updated on: 13:34, 10/01/2020
General Page - About Academy - Divisions - Organisations - Members - Contact us - Structure - Presidium Members
Documents - Innovation Proposals - News - Conferences - Publications in Press - Announcements - Photogallery
"Gitutyun" newspaper - Funds - Anniversaries - Publications - Web Resources - Other Academies
Universities - Lindau - Sitemap - Search
© Copyright 1998-2020, All Rights Reserved.
Website is created and supported by Academical Scientific Research Computer Network of Armenia (ASNET-AM)
For any suggestions write to webmaster {[ at ]} sci.am


text:
Locals construct a new City Deal Sports Hub for Narellan
Construction has started on Macarthur's state-of-the-art sporting mecca that will provide additional netball courts, a synthetic athletics track, a full-size rugby league field, a criterium cycling track and a pedestrian and cycle path network.
The jointly funded Narellan Sports Hub has been made possible under Western Sydney City Deal's, Western Parkland City Liveability Program.
Construction works to build Stage 2 of the Narellan Sports Hub will generate 120 jobs, including the employment of 35 local residents.
Eight local businesses have been engaged for the works, including local firm TJ & RF Fordham Pty Ltd.
The Australia and NSW Governments and Camden Council have together contributed $17.6 million to deliver the new facilities.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the project was a great example of the Morrison Government delivering local jobs and giving local businesses the boost they need.
"The Western Sydney City Deal is rolling out infrastructure projects of all sizes across Western Sydney," Mr Tudge said.
"This will deliver for the community now through jobs and an economic boost and for years to come as a vibrant sporting hub."
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said over $190 million was being invested in 28 infrastructure upgrades through the Western Parkland City Liveability Program, with $25.9 million going into projects in the Camden Council area.
"This program delivers on those facilities that make a real difference in what it's like to live in Camden – the difference between being able to book a nearby field for a social game, or having to call around and eventually drive half an hour down the road," Mr Ayres said.
"And it's not only delivering quality of life outcomes, it's delivering on local jobs too, with 120 jobs created and eight local businesses awarded contracts to deliver work in their own community on this project alone."
Federal Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction and Member for Hume Angus Taylor said that this was a great opportunity to create local jobs and economic activity for the Macarthur region.
"Federal funding to elevate this premier sports precinct will not only deliver more investment in the Camden community and in our local sportspeople, but also attract competitors and an events program for the region," Mr Taylor said.
"The benefits of sport for people of all ages cannot be underestimated. I am so pleased to support this fantastic community facility."
Mayor of Camden Cr Theresa Fedeli thanked both the Federal and State Governments for their continued support for the project. This support is invaluable in allowing Council to deliver high-quality sport and recreation facilities for our growing community.
"Stage two works were funded through $5 million from the Greater Sydney Sports Facility Fund and $17.6 million under the Western Parkland City Liveability Program with the Australian and NSW governments jointly contributing $11.3 million and Council contributing $6.3 million," Cr Fedeli said.
"I am so excited to say that, once complete, Narellan Sports Hub will be a popular destination for not only locals but many others across Sydney. It will be remarkable to have the ability to host a number of state competitions across many sports, including netball, athletics, hockey and rugby league.
Having projects like this begin now, in a time that has been uncertain and unsettling for many dealing with the effects of COVID-19, is really terrific for our community."
State Member for Camden Peter Sidgreaves MP said when the extra netball courts are completed the Camden and District Netball Association, which currently uses the facility, will be able to hold major State netball competitions.
"Also the facility will bolster more than just the sporting sector. This will help boost our local economy and support our fantastic local businesses. It will also boost tourism as competitors find places to stay and restaurants to eat at in the area," Mr Sidgreaves said.
Facilities to be completed by December 2021:
An additional 14 netball courts with floodlighting.
A synthetic athletics track, including field and jump facilities, floodlighting, drainage and irrigation.
An additional full-size rugby league field to replace the existing smaller 'mod league' field, including floodlighting and drainage.
An athletics administration/club building.
An additional 1,150 car parking spaces, in four new areas.
Internal access roads.
A criterium cycling track.
A road and pedestrian bridge over the existing drainage corridor.
A large turfed area for future multi-purpose use.
A pedestrian and cycle path network.
A major upgrade of the Porrende Street roundabout.
For more information visit camden.nsw.gov.au and search 'Narellan Sports Hub'.
Minister Taylor – 02 4658 7188
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction
Peter Sidgreaves MP
State Member for Camden
Cr Theresa Fedeli
Mayor of Camden


He whänau kotahi, kotahi te reo.
Enhance the professional status and perception of Home-based Early Childhood Education throughout our country.
To provide a powerful, united voice to liaise with government and other organisations. We represent and advocate for our members to protect and progress the Home-Based sector. Home-based educators have a right to participate and have their voice heard at a national and governmental level.
To foster the professional growth and development of the Home-based sector, through educational pathways and support programmes for our members.
To help our members come together - sharing knowledge and understanding, communicating and collaborating.
To be the industry 'eyes and ears' for our members, receiving and disseminating relevant information.
The New Zealand HomeBase Childcare Association supports the provision of professional care and education for children in home-based settings and represents member's interests through advocacy on relevant social, educational and political issues.


Chelsea have fired a warning to the rest of the Premier League after going top with a thrilling 6-3 victory at Everton on Saturday.
The only team keeping pace with them after three matches are Swansea, who maintained their 100% record by beating West Bromwich Albion.
I was at White Hart Lane to see Liverpool return to form by brushing aside Tottenham 3-0 - the Reds move level on points with Manchester City, who were surprisingly beaten at home by Stoke.
Elsewhere, Manchester United and Arsenal were held to draws, while Crystal Palace earned a late point at Newcastle, and there were wins for Aston Villa, QPR and Southampton.
Take a look at my team of the week and see if you agree with my choices.
The Liverpool goalkeeper did not have to perform heroics against Spurs, thanks largely to an immense team performance in what was a Brendan Rodgers masterclass. But the Belgium keeper looked commanding whenever called upon.
Ivanovic often finds himself up the pitch in open play but now he is scoring goals with his feet and not just his head - hitting the net in an impressive Chelsea victory at Goodison Park. In the most exciting game of the weekend, the right-back showed he is fast becoming Chelsea's new leader.
For as long as I can remember, Stoke fans have loved their centre-backs to be hard-working, no-frills and extremely competitive. Shawcross displayed all of those elements in a superb defensive performance to help his side to a 1-0 victory at Manchester City.
Although Martin Skrtel and Kolo Toure were out of the picture against Spurs, Liverpool never looked as if they were missing the experience of either player. Lovren partnered Mamadou Sakho and marshalled a new-look back four extremely well.
Full-back Moreno played his part in a comprehensive Liverpool victory over Spurs at White Hart Lane. The Spanish defender seemed to get more confident the longer the game went on - and his goal capped an impressive performance.
Fabregas seemed to be involved in every Chelsea move against Everton. It was a match where, if you blinked, you were likely to miss a moment of magic from him, Nemanja Matic, Ramires or Eden Hazard, all of whom helped tear the home side to shreds. But be under no illusion, it was Fabregas who was the mastermind.
I'm not sure what surprised me the most: Neil Warnock's return to Crystal Palace or the fact that Puncheon was selected in the manager's first game back. We all know that both men have had their differences but they seemed to put those to one side for the benefit of their club. Between them, they inspired a tremendous team performance in a 3-3 draw against a very dangerous Newcastle United.
Two beautifully-taken goals and a performance to match from Schneiderlin helped Southampton to a 3-1 victory at West Ham. I haven't given Ronald Koeman and his boys much hope this season after the sale of half of the team. But against the Hammers, there were signs that the Dutchman is assembling a new side. The Saints rode their luck, but they got the points.
This young man isn't just playing some lovely football at the moment, he's also scoring some fabulous goals. The diminutive Dyer's finish for his first goal in the 3-0 win over West Brom was exquisite. His form, along with that of Wayne Routledge, is making a massive difference for Garry Monk's side. For Swansea, the best things seem to come in small packages at the moment.
I never thought Chelsea would replace Didier Drogba so effectively, but they have. What a performance it was by Costa against an Everton side who were in no mood to roll over. The Spaniard stood up to everything the home side threw at him and remained resolute throughout. It is the second time he has made my team of the week. The way he's playing, he could be a permanent fixture.
I was at White Hart Lane to see this youngster take Tottenham apart. The decision to play him at the top of a diamond was a masterstroke by Brendan Rodgers, and Spurs never came to terms with it. What impressed me was Sterling's overall contribution to the team and the way he linked with Mario Balotelli and Daniel Sturridge. If those players continue to work well together, then Liverpool are in for another exciting season.


I thought yet another precision pieced block was in order. If you're new to precision piecing, just go slow, be aware of the 1/4" seam allowance and PIN!
You need four fabrics for the cards and one for the background.
1 - 3 1/4" square. Cut in half on both diagonals to make 4 quarter-square triangles. You only need 2 per card.
You'll notice I didn't cut these oversize this time. Quarter0-square triangles are hard to deal with oversized. It's best just to cut and sew accurately.
Lay out the cut pieces as they will look when finished. This is a very tricky block to piece. It's easy to get confused so go slow and pay attention.
First make the center units that go on the outside rows.
Sew the two small triangles together and press to one side.
Repeat with all four units.
Make four half-square triangle units for the outer four squares.
Make a quarter-square unit with the center triangles.
I did mine wrong and had to use the reserved triangles to get it right! Be careful when sewing!
Lay out the 9 units and sew together like a 9-Patch block. Pin so the points all come out reasonable well. The block will be 6 1/2" unfinished when done.


With a rapidly developing economy that demands a lot from its workforce, the population of China has been introduced to new levels of stress, competition, and high pressure, both in school and in the workplace. As one means to escape the hassle and tension of life, many Chinese of the younger generation turn to video games to relieve stress. Because of this, China has become the largest video gaming market in the world.
China first opened its market to foreign investment in 1978, but it remained hard to get foreign goods over the following decades. Although consoles were accessible in China in the 1990s, most gamers favored going to arcades as consoles were a luxury and pricey investment. However, as the market in China became increasingly internationalized, foreign products became cheaper, and by the end of the decade, sales of consoles had grown significantly. Unfortunately, due to a lack of regulation in the industry, software piracy also grew. This led to gamers not used to (and perhaps unwilling to) paying full-price for games.
As the market expanded, China's Ministry of Culture decided that playing video games was harmful to young people, threatened state security, and disturbed social order. In 2000, an outright ban was slapped on foreign consoles, preventing millions of consoles from industry giants such as Sega, Sony, and Nintendo from reaching the enthusiastic market of China's younger generation. This sounds worse than it was, because it actually did little to stop people from playing games. Due to this decimation of competition from consoles, the computer gaming industry – which the Ministry of Culture allowed to continue despite the ban – exploded, and Chinese companies began mass-producing games for the local market. For many, however, the luxury of owning a computer with hardware powerful enough to play the latest games was (and still is) out of reach. This led to a surge in popularity of internet cafés, which are cheaper than investment in gaming software and hardware and actually offer a social community to gamers across China. Young Chinese began frequenting gaming cafés, paying by the hour and connecting with young, like-minded individuals with a passion for gaming culture.
Around 2012, rumors of a policy change on consoles started coming out of China, and the ban was finally lifted in full in 2015. A gaming market worth $22.2 billion didn't have to wait long for the massive console production companies to start queuing up. Microsoft's Xbox One was the first to gain an official release in the mainland.
While many expected China's gaming culture to flourish even further with the recent influx of foreign consoles, the release met with a rocky beginning. With a list of games limited by government regulations on content, the ban-lift hasn't done well in gaining the interest of China's gamers. The consoles in China actually cost more at release than they do in other countries, which is difficult to justify to a population that has become used to cheap products as a result of piracy. According to a report last year, 70% of China's gamers make less than $645 a month, and the Xbox and PlayStation at release were selling for $480 and $460, respectively. Furthermore, the strict censorship laws mean many big video game titles will never see a legitimate release in mainland China, which keeps consumers turning toward the piracy (through which games banned by the government are readily available).
Nevertheless, the lift on foreign consoles is still a significant event and has opened the door for other opportunities for this hitherto underground culture to grow. Local game developers have been able to collaborate with foreign companies, as with Playstation 4's King of Wushu, produced by a company in Suzhou.
For an industry predicted to be worth over $100 billion by 2017 (with the Chinese market accounting for about a quarter of that), it's clear why foreign companies are scrambling to get their products released in China. China's gaming culture remains tough and unpredictable to outsiders, however – though against all odds (and government bans), it has flourished to become a unique part of the youth culture. Time will tell where gaming goes from here for China's latest generation of gamers.